Football game



June 16, 1936.

DICE I COMBINATIONS No COMBINATION SINGLE PAIRS DOUBLE AND Gs 0R 2 THREE OFA KIND AND3OFA K FIVE OFA KIND W. H. LUNDQUIST FOOTBALL GAME Original Filed Nov. 17, 1933 TEBALL=GAME FOLLOWING CHANGES ARE EFFECTIVE WHEN O QR BAFPEAR ON $LlDER,/1ND DICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INCLUDES NU ERALS NOTED BELOW.

INCOM RESULT A 1* BALL CARRIED/1ND FUMSLED- QPFUNENTS BALL fizl/fll fll 3 M4 TEE fill/NDQU/JT ATTOENE Y) June 16, 1936. w, H. LUNDQUIST FOOTBALL GAME 4 sheets-sheet 2 Original Filed Nov. 17, 1935 NONE 30 NONE 333344455 00 one ATTaEA/E Yo June 16, 1936. w. H. LUNDQUIST FOOTBALL GAME 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Nov. 17, 1933 @Q Q W June 16, 1936. w. LUNDQUIST 2,044,506

FOOTBALL GAME Original Filed Nov. 17, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FQQ L=AME THE FOLLOWING CHANGES ARE EFFECTIVE WHENg OR Q APPEAR, AND DICE COMBWATION COMBINATIONS INCLUDES NUMERALS NOTED BELOW.

No COMBINATION PASS ISA B-YARD GAIN DOUBLE PAIRS AND AND

AND OR AND s/mo 0R 25104055 57 15 AND THREE OFA Kmo FouR OFA K HVEQFAKIND 59 W flzzvznz or 59 4175/? UNDQU/ST 4?- TOENEYJ Patented June 16, '1936 Walter H. Lundquist, Minneapolis, Minm Application November 17, 1933, Serial No. 698,417

Renewed November 11, 1935 2 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in football games, and concerns itself more particularly to the provision of such a game which is played in accordance with standard football rules, and wherein the various plays are called in much the same manner as in a regular football game.

An object of the invention is to provide a football game comprising a chart having certain information and other indicia thereon relating to different plays of the game, and a set of dice or playing pieces cooperating with means on said chart to indicate the result of each play.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a football game comprising a chart provided with a column of dice combinations and also having a plurality of rows of numerals and other indicla thereon, and each of said rows having a heading designating a certain play of the game, and means being provided whereby each player may select or call the particular play he wishes to execute, the result of which play is determined by a set of dice which, when thrown, will designate a dice combination to be used for determining the result of each play called, the numeral on said chart of the play called, which is alined with the dice combination thrown, indieating in yards the result of the play.

Other objects of the invention reside in the novel construction of the chart and the means provided in connection therewith whereby each player may quickly select the particular play he wishes to execute; in the provision of a football game comprising a chart having dice combinations thereon, and a full set of dice for determining the dice combination to be used, each dice combination being alined with certain play results; in the provision of a football game comprising a chart having certain information thereon relating to football plays,'and a slider or movable member operable in connection therewith to conveniently select each play as the game progresses; in the provision of such a game using a full set of dice for. determining the result of each play, and whereby a large number of plays are made possible, as in a regular football game; in the means provided on the chart whereby the result of the play initially indicated on the chart, by the dice combination thrown, may be changed, whereby it may result in a loss, or, in an extended run; in the construction of the gridiron board which represents a football field and is laid off in yard lines in substantially the same manner as a regular football field, and has a guideway therein for receiving an element representing a football, and whereby the latter may be conveniently moved forwardly and backwardly on the field to show at all times the exact location of the ball while the game is in progress; in the means provided in connection'with the gridiron board for indicating the number of yards to be gained in four downs; in the means for recording the number of downs used,.and the means for recording each play as the game proceeds, and which determines the length of the game; and, in the provision of a game apparatus of the character described which is extremely simple and inexpensive in construction and operation, and which embodies substantially all of the usual plays executed in a regulation game, and is interesting and instructive, whereby persons not familiar with the game of football, may gain a wide knowledge of the game in a comparatively short time.

Other objects, of the invention will appear from the following description and accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings, there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown, as various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a plan view of my improved game apparatus showing the chart and the dice combinations provided thereon, and other information and indicia relating to football plays;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view on the line 22 of Figure 1, showing the means for manipulating the slide to select the different plays;

Figure 3 is an enlarged detail sectional view on the line 33 of Figure 1, showing the means for supporting the slide;

Figure 4 is a plan view showing the slide removed;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the gridiron board, showing the means provided thereon for recording the number of plays, the number of downs played, the yards to be gained for each set of downs and the means for indicating the position of the ball on the field;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view on the line 6-6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a set of dice or playing pieces;

Figure 8 is a view showing a game of slightly different construction wherein-a roller is used in lieu of the slide shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 9 is a view showing the game in a simplified form.

The novel football game herein disclosed, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a rectangular frame I, composed of end pieces 2 and 3, and side rails 4 and 5. A chart, indicated generally by the numeral 6, is supported in the frame I and has its marginal edges supported in suitable grooves I, provided in the frame members, as best shown in Figure 2.

The chart 6 is shown provided at the left hand side with a column of dice combinations, indicated generally by the numeral 8, and having a suitable heading 9. Upon the opposite side of the chart, there is shown a column ll comprising information and other lndicia relating to football plays. The chart is provided with a plurality of horizontally disposed lines l2, between which the dice combinations are printed, and between which the information appearing in the column II also is printed. An elongated opening i3 is provided in the chart 6, and extends substantially from the bottom thereof to a point adjacent its top. The elongated opening I3 is interposed between the columns 8 and II.

In the form shown in Figures 1 and 2, a member or slide 14 is supported in the frame I beneath the chart 6, and has its ends received in suitable guides l5, whereby said slide may be relatively moved beneath the chart, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 2. An operating member l6 projects through a guide aperture l1, provided in the side rail 5, and has its inner end detachably connected to a block l8 suitably secured to the bottom of the slide l4. A suitable tensions means, such as a spring or rubber band I 3, is shown having its intermediate portion engaging the block l8, and its ends suitably secured to the side rail 5 by such means as eye bolts or hooks 2|. The tension member l9 constantly urges the slide in a direction towards the right, when viewed as shown in Figures 1 and 2, so that the right hand edge 22 thereof is normally seated against the side,rail 5 of the frame.

Vertically disposed rows of numerals are provided upon the slide l4, preferably adjacent one side thereof, as shown in Figure 4. These rows have suitable headings 23, 24, 25, 26, 21, and 28, designating diiferent plays which are common to the game of football. The rows of numerals on the slide I 4 are separated by vertically disposed lines 29, and the numerals in each row are separated by horizontally disposed lines 3|. The spacing between the horizontal lines on the slide I4 corresponds to the spacing between the horizontal lines l2 on the chart 6, so that when the slide is positioned beneath the chart, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the horizontal lines 3| on the slide will be alined with the horizontal lines l2 on the chart. The spacing between the vertically disposed lines 29 of the slide corresponds substantially to the width of the slot or elongated opening l3 in the chart, whereby when the slide is in its normal position, with its edge 22 engaged with the side rail 5, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the row of numerals thereon, under the heading Rush, will be alined with the slot l3, whereby the numerals in said row may readily be seen, as best shown in Figure 1.

By thus movably mounting the slide l4 beneath the chart I I, each player may selectively call each play which he wishes to attempt. In other words, if a player elects to punt, the slide will be moved to the left from the position shown in Figure 1,

until the heading "Pun appears at the upper end of the slot or opening I3. He will then proceed to determine the dice combination to be used for indicating the result of the play, as will combination thrown results in a pair of fives and a pair ofaces, as shown in Figure 7, the result will be a five yard gain, as shown in Figure 1.

To render the game more realistic and interesting, certain of the numerals on the slide l4 are prefixed with symbols 33 and 34. Corresponding ing in the column I I on the right hand side of the chart. The symbols 33 and 34 are provided for the purpose of creating changes in the results of plays, indicated on the slide l4, when certain dice combinations are thrown. In other words,.should a pair of aces and a pair of fives be thrown, as shown in Figure 7, and the selected play is a Rush, then if the odd dice, shown at the right hand side of Figure 7, is a four, as there shown, the resultant play, instead of being a five yard gain, as noted by the numeral on the slide alined with the dice combination thrown, will be a two yard gain. This results because the numerals 5 and 4 on the slide l4 and column II, respectivethrown, are prefixed with the symbols 33, as

shown in Figure l, and the resultant play must.

then be determined by the notation, The result is a two yard gain, which information follows the numeral 4 in the coluinn II. The symbols 33 and 34 add the element of chance to each play, which makes the game more realistic, in that the player never knows just what the final result of the selected play will be until the dice combination has been determined by rolling the dice, as above described.

Should a player elect to throw a Pass, the slide l4 will be moved so that the heading Pass, will appear at the upper end of the opening l3.

He will then throw the dice, and if the same dice combination shown in Figure 7, should be thrown, the result of the play, instead of being a six yard completed pass, as indicated by the numeral 6 on the slide, will be a run, resulting in a nine yard gain. This change in the play results because the symbol 34 appearing on the slide adjacent to the numeral 6, corresponds to the symbol 34 in the column 11' which is followed by the numeral 4, corresponding to the odd dice thrown, and which numeral is followed by the notation Run extended to nine yards.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the construction of the gridiron board shown in Figure 5, and generally indicated by the numeral 35. This board has one section laid off in yard lines 36 and 31 'to represent a football field. A row of numerals is-provided at each side of the playing field, or the ruled section of the gridiron board, and these numerals are alined with the heavier yard lines 31 and indicate the distance in yards from the ends of the field towards the fifty yard line, or the center of the field, in the same manner as on a regular football field.

Guideways 33 and 39 are provided in the surface of the board 35 and extend substantially the aoeaaoe full length thereof, as shown. In one of these guideways, an element 8| is slidably mounted. This element represents the football, and is movable in the guideway 38, whereby it may be moved forwardly and backwardly on the field, as determined by the result of each play. An arrowhead 62 is provided on the ball element ti for accurately placing it upon the field.

Means is also provided for indicating the number of yards to be made for each set of downs, and is shown as consisting of a slider 33 mounted for movement lengthwise of the field in the guideway 39. This slider 413 represents the Linesmen, and is moved at the completion of each set of downs.

' The means for recording the number of downs consists of a member dd mounted for sliding movement in a guideway 55, shown provided in the upper right hand corner of the gridiron board 35, when viewed as shown in Figure 5. Numerals l, 2, 3, and ii, are provided adjacent to the guideway :25 and cooperate with an arrow-head 56 on the member :35 to indicate the number of downs played. In Figure 5, the downs member is shown positioned to indicate the second down.

Means is also provided for recording the number of plays played during the game, and consists of a member M mounted for sliding movement in a guideway flit-provided in the upper portion of the board, as shown in Figure 5. A series of numerals are arranged adjacent to the guideway 38, and cooperate with an arrow-head 69 on the member ll to record each play as the game progresses. In Figure 5, the member M is shown recording the seventeenth play. When the mem- .ber M is used, the length of the game is determined by a predetermined number of plays, and not by time, as is now customary. In the drawings, I have shown each quarter consisting of forty plays, whereby a full-game will consist oi? one hundred and sixty completed plays.

Two, three, or four persons may play the game at the same time. If four are to participate, two players will represent the two teams that are to oppose each other, and a third player may act as Umpire, and operates the slide it on the chart, and a fourth player acts as Head linesman, and operates the various elements 6|, 63, M, and ill on the gridiron.

To start the game, the two players opposing each other will roll one dice each to see who wins the Toss. The one rolling the highest dice wins the Toss and has the choice of Receiving or Kicking ofi. When the game starts, the Umpire shifts the slide it so that the heading Kick ofi appears at the top of the opening id in the chart. The first player then rolls the dice, and locates the dice combination thrown on the column at the left hand side of the chart, under the heading Dice combinations. Should he throw, for example, three fours, the Kick off" will result in fifty yards, which is measured from his own forty yard line. The ball- All is then placed on his opponents ten yard line. The next player then throws the dice and the Umpire" shifts the slide id whereby the heading Kickofl return, appears at the upper end of the opening H3 in the chart. If the second player throws or rolls a pair of threes and a pair of fives, the ball The ball is then put into play on the twenty yard line, and is advanced forwardly and backwardly on the field, determined by the result of each play. If the player having possession of the ball elects to play a Rush" or make a "Line drive, the slide it is positioned as shown in of the symbols 33 and M on the slide it, and in the column H at the right hand side of the chart, the result of the play indicated on the slide through the opening H3 in the chart, may change or vary, depending upon the odd dice in each dice combination thrown, as hereinbefore described. If only two players participate in the game, each player will represent a team, and one player will manipulate the movable elements on the gridiron board while the other player operates the slide Id of the chart.

In Figure 8, there is shown a game comprising a chart 50, similar to the one disclosed in Figure l. A cylindrical member or roller 52 is used in lieu of the slide It. The member 52 is provided with rows of numerals extending lengthwise thereof and corresponding to the rows of numerals on the slide M. Each of said rows of numerals has a heading similar to the headings on the slide iii. The rotatable member 52 may be operated by a suitable knurled wheel 53 secured to its supporting shaft, and having a portion of its periphery projecting through a small slot or opening 5% in the chart 5%. The game shown in Figure 8 is played in identically the same manner as the game shown in Figure 1, each play being recorded upon the gridiron board 35.

In Figure 9, there is shown a game of simplified form which embodies all of the diiferent plays and combinations thereof, which may be played in either of the games shown in Figures 1 and 8. The game illustrated in Figure 9 comprises a chart 55 having a column 56 of dice combinations on one section thereof, and another section thereof has a column 51 of information and other indicia relating to footbal plays, corresponding to the column H in'Figure 1. The chart shown in Figure 9 difiers from those shown in Figures 1 and 8 in that the elongated opening i3 has been dispensed with, and in lieu thereof, a third column 58 is provided between the columns 56 and 5E which bears information similar to that appearing upon the slide Hi, shown in Figure 4, and the rotatable member 52, shown in Figure 8. The three columns 56, 57, and 58 are separated by vertically disposed lines 59, and each numeral of the vertically disposed rows of numerals in the column 58 is alined with one of the dice combinations-shown in the colunm'55.

In the form shown in Figure 9, a suitable straight edge 5i may be provided for horizontally alining the numerals and information in the .columns 58 and 51 with the particular dice combination thrown. By reference to Figure 9, it will be noted that the headings appearing at the top of the column 58, and which designate different plays of the game, are repeated at intervals in the column, whereby the player may readily aline the dice combination thrown with the numeral appearing in the row of numerals under the heading designating the play selected. when the above headings are thus repeated at intervals throughout the length of the column, the straight edge 8i may, 11' desired, be dispensed with, in which case the entire game. may consist oi the single chart 55, a set of dice, the gridiron board 35, and the members movably mounted thereon.

An important feature of the game resides in the use of a full set of dice, as shown in Figure 7. By thus using a plurality of dice, a great many more dice combinations are obtamable, which correspondingly increases the number of possible play combinations, and thus renders the game more interesting. Theprovision of the symbols 83 and 38 also adds interest to the game. These symbols, as hereinbeiore stated, cooperate with the dice to change or vary the result 01 the play indicated by the numeral on the slide 1 3, which is alined with the particular dice combination thrown, and which numeral is visible through the opening I3 in the chart. The game is played in accordance with standard football rules and regulations, and it has been found very instructive in that to thoroughly enjoy the game one must have a fair knowledge of the rules of the game, and this is quickly acquired by simply playing the game.

-I claim as my invention:

1. In a game apparatus wherein a board is marked oil to simulate a playing field and markers are movable thereon in accordance with play or the game, and wherein a chance device is used to determine the various plays, a chart tor use therewith having a column of chance combinations, a column 01' plays aligned transversely with 6 said chance combinations and an elongated window, and a member movable with respect to said window, said member being movable to expose a column of plays through said window which are in alignment transversely with the combinations l0 and plays in the first two columns, thereby to indicate a play to be made on said board.

2. In a game apparatus wherein a board is marked oil to simulate a playing held and markers are movable thereon in accordance with 15 plays 0! the game, and wherein a chance device is used to determine the various plays, a chart for use therewith having a column of chance combinations, a column of plays aligned transversely with said chance combinations and anelongated window, and a member having a plurality of columns of plays, said member being movable to expose one of said columns of plays through said window, the plays in each column on said movable member being in alignment transversely with the combinations and plays in the first two columns, and the column of plays on said chart and the selected column of plays on said movable member jointly indicating a play .to be made on said board.

' WALTER H. LUNDQUIST. 

